Fire Prevention Week – How to Safely Operate a Space Heater
Space heaters in homes start thousands of fires every year. While they’re much safer than they once were, they still have a heating element that can cause a fire. Here are a few ways to use them safely. Place Your Space Heater on the Floor You should always place a space heater on the floor. It should never be placed on a table, chair, workbench, or other furniture. While it is tempting to have it pointed at your body and head, if it falls, it can spark a fire. Safety Features to Look For Most modern space heaters have tip-over protection, so they’ll automatically shut off if they’re knocked over. Look for one with overheat protection, which causes it to turn off if its interior gets too hot. Another good safety feature is cool-touch housing, which prevents burns from touching its exterior. Keep It Away From Water Electricity and water should never mix. Never place a space heater in a bathroom, kitchen, or other areas where it can get wet. 3-Foot Rule The rule of thumb for space heaters is to keep them three feet away from walls and anything that is flammable. Examples of things to keep a space...
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